Karnataka Minister for RDPR, IT, and BT, Priyank Kharge, son of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding some Congress legislators’ foreign trip. Kharge mentioned that similar trips had occurred in the past without requiring permission.
Speaking in Bengaluru, Kharge emphasized that the legislators’ trip had no relation to the state budget preparations. He clarified that there was no restriction on legislators undertaking private foreign trips without seeking government approval.
Kharge highlighted that the legislators had previously traveled together and met the Chief Minister to discuss constituency-related matters. He questioned the necessity of permission for a private trip among friends, emphasizing there should be no objections.
Reports indicated that a group of around 20 Congress MLAs and several MLCs were set to travel to Australia and New Zealand amid internal power struggles within the Karnataka Congress. Despite advice to resolve differences internally, the trip is proceeding as planned, aiming to counter statements made by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and his faction.
